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REVERENCE METER FOR CHRIST CENTERED CATHOLICS FIND OUT HOW ANY PARISH MEASURES UP. IF YOU ARE READY FOR A

CHANGE, DON’T MAKE THE JUMP UNTIL YOU CAN CONFIDENTLY KNOW THE MEASURE OF DEVOTION AT THE PARISH. EVEN THEN, YOU

SHOULD STILL SPEAK WITH THE PASTOR.

SACRAMENTS The Catholic Church in Question… ☐ Offers confession more than once per week. (2 points extra if offered before every Sunday Mass) ☐ Offers adoration more than once per week/perpetual adoration. ☐ Offers a public Christ the King procession ever year. ☐ Encourages reception of the Holy Eucharist kneeling, on the tongue, or intinction. ☐ Limits the use of extraordinary ministers.

MASS ORIENTATION The Catholic Church in Question… ☐ Positions the crucifix and tabernacle front and center, or at least in a place of prominence. ☐ Has the high-altar available and in use, but if not, the altar is the focal point. ☐ Ensures the Mass is oriented towards the Crucifixion rather than Last Supper. ☐ Offers Mass ad orientem at least during the consecration. ☐ Offers the extraordinary form at least once a month. (5 points extra if offered every Sunday) ☐ Has only male altar boys with patens in use. (2 points extra) ☐ Homily never involves asking congregants questions with hand raising and answers shouted. ☐ Delivers the homily from the ambo only. ☐ Only uses the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer 1). (2 points extra)

SACRED MUSIC / ART The Catholic Church in Question… ☐ Employs only traditional art for the glorification of God and elevation of the soul, not because of subjective tastes. ☐ Employs polyphony and/or Gregorian Chant. ☐ Never allows folk bands, guitars, or drums. ☐ Never allows pop-radio Christian rock/worship songs. (These are wonderful outside Mass) ☐ Has Kneelers in front of statues, in particular the Blessed Mother. ☐ Has architecture in a traditional style like Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, etc. (Not always possible)

Add up all the check boxes (1 point each) and find out how your parish is doing.

CONGREGATIONS DEMEANOR / ORTHODOX TEACHING The Catholic Church in Question… ☐ Discourages people holding hands during the Our Father. ☐ Encourages a solemn atmosphere so families can pray before and after Mass. ☐ Discourages chatting in the church and relegates it to the narthex ☐ Discourages clapping for any reason ☐ At least occasionally, boldly teaches on chastity, NFP, pro-life, Modernism, Marxism, Hell, true

mercy, forgiveness, mortal sin, religious liberty, homeschooling, divorce, classical education, etc.

HOW DOES YOUR CHURCH MEASURE UP?

Score of 0-4 – This Church has serious problems. There is limited access to adoration and the sacrament of penance, and this church is not focused on the issues confronting Catholics in the modern world. Churches like this are dying off and will likely be closed in the next 20 years. Any serious Catholic should try to find an alternative immediately. There is nothing to gain by staying. Score of 5-9 – This Church is teetering on the edge of destruction and is confused about the mission of the Catholic Church, the salvation of souls. It has some good qualities but has given in to modernism and worldliness. A new and serious pastor could set it on the right track, but it will take serious effort and patience. It would be easier to locate a new parish than to wait around for things to return to proper order. Score of 10-14 – This Church is on the fence. It is probably divided between factions of those who want more progressive liturgy and those who want more reverence. The pastor’s feelings will determine the willingness to set it on track for putting Christ above all else. It could be worth the effort to stay if you are in it for the long haul. But you will probably spend a huge part of your life desiring more. The best option will be to find a more reverent parish. Score of 15-19 – This Church is doing all the right things. It is oriented properly, is focused, and is serious about the mission of the Church. The sacraments are available and easily accessible, and the most important aspects of parish life are in place. You are getting what you need to survive in the modern world. You are in a wonderful parish. The next step is to take the lead in encouraging some of the unchecked boxes and inviting others to come and see. Score of 20 or More – You are blessed to be part of this parish. You have everything you need to be fully integrated into the life of the Church and you have all the tools you need to confidently confront modernity and invite starving souls back to your sanctuary for respite. Offer to help in any way you can, but the most important thing you can do at this point is to bring others to this parish!

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LUKE WARM

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